Moscow
A planned party and rally in support of gay rights was called off this week, after protesters shouted homophobic slogans and hurled eggs and bottles at workers preparing for the event. The protesters included neo-Nazi skinheads, ardent nationalists, and elderly Russian Orthodox women carrying crosses. A leader of the anti-gay demonstration called it a “peaceful protest against sin,” but police said it turned rowdy when gays began showing up for their rally. Demonstrators chanted “Down with pederasts,” and as projectiles flew, police had to escort some gays to safety. Rally organizers put out the word that others should stay home. Moscow officials said a major gay pride parade planned for later this month would also be canceled because of the disorder it might provoke.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What should you be stockpiling for 'World War Three'?In the Spotlight Britons advised to prepare after the EU tells its citizens to have an emergency kit just in case
-
Carnivore diet: why people are eating only meatThe Explainer 'Meatfluencers' are taking social media by storm but experts warn meat-only diets have health consequences
-
Scientists want to fight malaria by poisoning mosquitoes with human bloodUnder the radar Drugging the bugs
